Town Of Sylva Water Supply Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Town of Sylva Water Supply Dam, located in Sylva, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water supply source for the local community.


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Summary

Built in 1973, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, with a total length of 560 feet. With a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing the water resources of the area.

Despite its importance, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, indicating the potential risks associated with its operation. However, as of the last inspection in December 2016, the dam was assessed to be in fair condition. With regular inspections and enforcement by regulatory agencies such as the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, the Town of Sylva Water Supply Dam continues to provide essential water supply services while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

With its location on Dills Branch and oversight by state regulatory agencies, the Town of Sylva Water Supply Dam exemplifies the careful balance between water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact water supplies, dams like this one play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of clean water for the local community. By prioritizing maintenance, inspections, and emergency preparedness, the Town of Sylva demonstrates a commitment to sustainable water resource management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

560

River Or Stream

Dills Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

17

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.